As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust

People • Customers • Trust

At Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), we think of ourselves as more than a box manufacturer. We are an ideas and solutions company. We seek to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. It just happens to be that corrugated products are our area of expertise.

At PCA, you’ll find the best people in the industry operating in a “golden rule” culture. We actively promote mutually rewarding relationships with each other and our customers by advocating respect for every individual, ethical and fair practices, and the highest standards in what we say and do. PCA is proud to have a highly skilled and experienced team leading the way.

As a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the U.S., PCA offers customers broad expertise and economies of scale, while our multiple plant locations let us rapidly meet the local needs of our customers.

Packaging Corporation of America’s DeRidder, LA Paper Mill, a leader in safety, is seeking applicants possessing safety leadership skills for the following positions in its maintenance department.

Maintenance Apprenticeship – Mechanical

Starting pay for Maintenance Apprenticeship – Mechanical is $26.52 per hour. During the 4-year apprenticeship period, successful candidate with a satisfactory performance rating will receive increases in pay every six (6) months.

Principle Accountabilities:

Work with key mechanical, electrical and process personnel to support daily and monthly maintenance outages as well as annual outage jobs
Work with mechanical maintenance/engineering and operations personnel to complete maintenance and capital projects
Complete necessary programs and training, as indicated in the Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice Program
Support the Mills goals for safety, environmental, and other areas of need
Utilize predictive and preventive maintenance programs to identify and correct equipment issues
Complete assigned work for daily, monthly, and annual outages
Effectively complete assigned jobs for best result at the lowest cost
Look for opportunities to solve issues, reduce costs, and improve performance
Perform other responsibilities as needed

Basic Qualifications:

At least 18 years of age.
High School diploma or G.E.D
Work any assigned shift including weekends, holidays and overtime
At least two years of full-time work in the last four years
Ability to read, write and speak in English
Satisfactory completion of background check and drug screen
Two (2) year technical degree /certification of completion from a college or Vo-Technical school in mechanical maintenance or a minimum of two (2) years industrial maintenance experience or equivalent military experience
Good communication skills
Ability to perform basic physical tasks (pushing, bending, twisting and repetitive motions)
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Prefer candidates with Pulp & Paper industry experience

The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Ability to be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers.
Ability to exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organization, and computer skills
Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem solving, ambiguity, and change
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously
Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports
Ability to apply skills to continuous process improvements while maintaining maximum levels of safety

Tests and Board Interview:

Those selected to go through the PCA hiring process will be asked to take a series of five written tests and take part in a structured panel interview.

The five written tests are all timed and involve:

Basic mechanical principles

Basic arithmetic skills

The ability to visualize three-dimensional figures

The ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accurately

Basic verbal ability

The interview will be conducted by a panel and involves a review of each candidates:

Work history

Achievements and accomplishments

Knowledge and skill acquisition

Interpersonal skills and helpfulness

Task related likes and dislikes

Physical demands experienced on previous jobs

As part of the interview, applicants will complete hands on and written basic skills math and physics test and basic mechanical knowledge placement tests.

PCA provides a competitive benefits package.

All Qualified applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com and qualified applicants must apply by July 24, 2026

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Starting salary for position: $26.52 per hour.
Paid Vacation: One week per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year after completion of 60 work day evaluation probationary period has been completed.

Paid Holidays after 60 work day evaluation probationary period has been completed.

Within the first 45 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Maintenance Mechanical Apprentice I